A Dive into the Art of Focused Conversations A few young professionals and university students were introduced to the Focused Conversation Method on August 16, 2018. Several participants expressed that they came to learn more about facilitation, some were interested in sharpening their leadership skills and others simply wanted to learn how to lead meaningful conversations in any given situation. All in all, it was a productive, engaging and fun evening which we look forward to hosting again in the coming months. Much thanks to CARY Toronto, the Youth of East of Africa and our facilitator Jo Nelson for their incredible support. If you would like to learn more about the Focused Conversation method, a proven communication method that will transform you and your team, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you. You can also check out our publication on the topic by clicking the images of the books below.

The Courage to Lead Online Study Series (Sept 10 – Dec 10, 2018) Description of the study series (#CTLSeries): We all know from experience that a leader can make or break an organization, a country, a community group, or a family unit. Leadership is no easy task, especially during difficult times. It is during these difficult times that we’re all witnessing in our present day (e.g. from gender discrimination to inhumane policies) that courageous leadership is so much needed. Many of us want to make a positive difference in this world. However, it takes courage to lead with purpose. This begs the question; what does courageous leadership mean to you? What would it take for you to lead compassionately, courageously and authentically in every situation? If you have ever asked yourself these questions, we would like to invite you to join our 13-week online study series, where you will get to explore your relationship to life, self and the world. The aim of this study is to provide the tools for deep reflection on how you can become the best leader you can be. Sign up today to reserve your spot. To register, click here.  After you have registered,

We have officially sold out of the Spring Courage to Lead (CTL) Online Study Series. Thank you to all who registered and for your interest and enthusiasm.We’ll be running another CTL series in the Fall. Please look out for the dates which will be announced in the next couple of weeks.

An Evening of Inspiration with W. John Patterson On June 6, 2018, ICA Canada members, friends and our Board of Directors gathered at our Annual General Meeting to reflect on our work over the past year and to celebrate our achievements, in particular, the IL Ngwesi project, Courage to Lead course offerings and our annual Courage to Lead Award event. The evening kicked off with a speech from our outgoing Chair, Suzanne Jackson, who also introduced our keynote speaker, W. John Patterson. John Patterson is a long-time supporter of ICA Canada who has been recognized by many for his valuable contributions to society. Needless to say, it was truly an hounour that he was able to join us to share his experiences on how he utilized the power of participation (Technology of Participation methodologies) to create thriving and sustainable enterprises such as Kanbay, a global IT firm that operated in India and Abbey Gardens, a not-for-profit charity whose mission is to enhance sustainable living in Haliburton, Ontario. While there were numerous takeaways from John’s talk, one comment worth highlighting that spurred a great discussion in the room, was the idea around values-based

AGM 2018: Environmental Sustainability ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of ICA CANADA Wednesday, June 6th, 6-9 pm at 401 Richmond Suite 409 With W. John Patterson speaking on “Sustainability” – RSVP here We are excited that W.John Patterson has accepted our invitation to present at this year’s AGM on ‘Environmental Sustainability.’ The presentation shares stories of John’s life and career in which ‘community’ is instrumental to powerful social change. John Patterson is a past Chair of ICA Canada with deep ties with the work of ICA internationally over several decades. John, and his wife Thea, were very influential in developing ICA’s partnership with the community of Il Ngwesi. They currently live in Haliburton, Ontario where they have founded the Patterson Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at Abbey Gardens with the Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine. Please RSVP to attend the AGM and John Patterson’s presentation on Wednesday June 6th at ICA’s training room suite 409 at 401 Richmond St. West Toronto. Light Refreshments will be served.

IAF North America and Caribbean conference in Ottawa 2018 The International Association of Facilitators IAF conference is hosted this year in Ottawa. ICA CANADA is here, stationed at the ICA Associates/Canada table and selling Courage to Lead to delegates. The conference brings together group process facilitators full of ideas, stories and technology. Some of the presenters include Stormz.com and InnovateorDinosaur.com who have interesting new methods of group facilitation.  Lots to see and do.